69 Best 2000s Country Songs

Whether it’s cold beer, an old rusty truck, or a lost love, country songs have become synonymous with themes that have remained popular in culture for decades.

In this list, we’re taking a look at some of the best country songs from the 2000s.

So let’s giddy up and gallop on in!

“Austin” By Blake Shelton

Song Year: 2000

This heartfelt song tells the story of a songwriter who broke up with his girlfriend and only realizes his mistake years later.

He leaves a message on his answering machine in case “Austin” (the city his ex lives in) happens to call.

We won’t spoil the end of the song but be sure to check it out for yourself.

“The House That Built Me” By Miranda Lambert

Song Year: 2009

This nostalgic song combines sweet childhood memories and bitter truths as Miranda Lambert returns to the house where she grew up and reflects on her formative years.

Miranda’s clear tone meshes with a simple guitar part to perfectly represent two common themes in country music, family and growing up.

“Redneck Woman” By Gretchen Wilson

Song Year: 2004

This fun anthem goes out to all the ladies who would rather spend their days at the local honky tonk than at any five-star restaurant.

The music video is one of our favorites as we watch Gretchen Wilson go four-wheeling, drink beer, and do everything else a true redneck woman does.

“She’s Country” By Jason Aldean

Song Year: 2009

There really is something about a country girl in a pickup truck, and Jason Aldean wants the world to know it.

With a rock n’ roll riff and Aldean’s classic country twang, this party song will have you tapping your toes before the end of the first verse.

“I Wanna Talk About Me” By Toby Keith

Song Year: 2001

Men love hearing what the women in their lives think. But be honest, gentlemen, sometimes you just want to talk about yourself.

This song features Toby Keith’s usual sense of humor, and the music video features him playing a bunch of characters, including a cop, biker, and businessman.

“I Hope You Dance” By Lee Ann Womack

Song Year: 2000

This hopeful song is from a mother singing to her young child about all the ways in which she hopes her daughter will experience in her life.

This song is both an inspiration to embrace life and a reminder to all of us to call our mothers. Don’t be embarrassed if you shed a tear; we certainly do when we listen to this song.

“I’m Gonna Miss Her” By Brad Paisley

Song Year: 2001

Some guys just know what they want, and for Brad Paisley, that means choosing fishing over his girlfriend.

Paisley filled this humorous song with silly lyrics outlining how much Paisley is going to miss his lover but right now, he has to get to the lake.

“Just Got Started Lovin’ You” By James Otto

Song Year: 2008

This song was Billboard’s 2008 Year-End #1 Hot Country Song, and it’s easy to hear why thanks to Otto’s deep, sultry voice and feel-good lyrics about being in love.

James Otto doesn’t get featured much on the radio, which is a shame because songs like this are a perfect example of a modern country love song.

“The Good Stuff” By Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2003

The narrator in this mid-tempo song is at the bar after a fight with his wife, and he is looking for the “good stuff.”

The bartender is quick to point out that the actual “good stuff” in life is the ups and the downs of living life with someone you love. This song is simple and poignant. How could you not love it?

“Bless the Broken Road” By Rascal Flatts, A Top 2000s Country Song

Song Year: 2004

This song tells the tale of how sometimes we must go through a series of heartbreaks before finding the one we’re meant to be with.

Rascal Flatts’ melodious harmonies on this song earned them a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.

“Boondocks” By Little Big Town

Song Year: 2005

This song starts with a catchy guitar twang and only gets better thanks to the full sound of Little Big Town’s four talented voices.

It’s another fantastic country song that reminds us that no matter where we go in life, we should never forget where we come from.

“I Need You” By Tim McGraw ft. Faith Hill

Song Year: 2007

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are successful country stars on their own, but when this husband and wife team work together, the result is even more outstanding.

This song features nothing other than their two voices and an acoustic guitar, but that’s perfect for this romantic message that all we need is the person we love.

“Whiskey Lullaby” By Brad Paisley ft. Alison Krauss

Song Year: 2003

This powerful song tells the story of a soldier returning home from war to find the girl he left behind in bed with another man. Both parties are left deeply wounded and struggle to come to terms with the event.

It’s a sad song but one that Paisley and Krauss beautifully sing.

“Good Time” By Alan Jackson

Song Year: 2008

This feel-good song from Alan Jackson is all about having fun. He’s done working for the week, and now he’s looking for a good time.

It’s a great song to put on when you’re looking for a catchy tune to cheer you up and celebrate the weekend.

“Letters From Home” By John Michael Montgomery

Song Year: 2004

This touching song about a series of loved ones writing letters to a soldier serving overseas in the military is a nice reminder of how powerful a little support can be for our troops.

The song will strike a chord with anyone who has ever served or had a loved one serving in the military.

“Forever and for Always” By Shania Twain

Song Year: 2002

This sweet song was a popular choice for weddings; after listening to it, it’s easy to understand why.

It’s all about how love is timeless, and no matter how old we get, when we find love, it can genuinely be forever and always.

“When I Think About Angels” By Jamie O’Neal

Song Year: 2000

This song from Jamie O’Neal is full of comparisons, such as rain making her think about singing and angels making her think of her love.

O’Neal is a talented artist, and it’s a shame she wasn’t more popular, but we still have this fantastic song about angels.

“Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” By Big & Rich

Song Year: 2004

Big & Rich struck gold with this song, thanks in large part to its use by ESPN during the 2004 World Series of Poker popularity boom.

It’s a loud, goofy song, but we’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t have a good time singing along with this one.

“I Play Chicken With The Train” By Cowboy Troy

Song Year: 2005

Country and rap are not two music genres that would seem to mesh well together, but Cowboy Troy has always made it seem like the most natural pairing in the world.

With this song, Troy acknowledges it’s a crazy combo, but he doesn’t care because he will always be true to himself.

“There You’ll Be” By Faith Hill

Song Year: 2001

Used as the theme for 2001’s Pearl Harbor, this power ballad is about remembering our deceased loved ones and how they stay with us always.

This song was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and an Academy Award for Best Original Song if you had any doubts about just how good it is.

“Some Beach” By Blake Shelton

Song Year: 2004

Some days are rougher than others. On those kinds of days, it can help to put on this Blake Shelton song.

It’s a relatable tune about the little annoyances in life and daydreaming about heading off to some beach somewhere a little more peaceful.

“Leave The Pieces” By The Wreckers

Song Year: 2006

Many consider The Wreckers a one-hit wonder, but if we could only have one song from this female duo, we’re happy to have this one.

It’s a catchy breakup song in which The Wreckers let us know they’ll be just fine, and if we can’t love them, then we should hit the bricks.

“What Hurts The Most” By Rascal Flatts

Song Year: 2008

In this song, we get the story of a young woman whose boyfriend died in a car crash after leaving her house and the struggles she goes through coming to terms with the loss.

Yes, it is terribly tragic, but it is also beautifully performed.

“The Best Day” By George Strait

Song Year: 2000

This slow, emotional song will have every son reaching for the phone to call their dad.

It’s a wonderful song that features a series of moments in a young boy’s life that he shares with his father, including a camping trip, getting his first car, and his wedding day.

“Before He Cheats” By Carrie Underwood

Song Year: 2005

This is one of our favorite country songs, regardless of the decade.

Carrie Underwood infuses this country song with a rock n’ roll attitude as she sings about getting revenge on an unfaithful boyfriend.

“Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” By Joe Nichols

Song Year: 2005

Here is another lively country song that is perfect for singing along to. The subject matter is ridiculous, to be sure, but that doesn’t take away from the fun.

If you haven’t watched the music video, definitely check it out to see who exactly Joe Nichols is singing about at the end of the song.

“Little Moments” By Brad Paisley

Song Year: 2003

Sharing your life with someone is often about the little moments, and this soft, slow Brad Paisley song celebrates those moments.

It is a wonderful choice to put on when you’re spending time with that someone special.

“No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” By Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2003

From time to time, it’s nice to lie back and enjoy the easy-going lifestyle of a tropical paradise.

This song’s lyrics outline a simple life motto that we fully endorse everyone trying to practice all summer long.

Listening to this song, we can practically feel the sun on our faces and the sand between our toes.

“It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” – Travis Tritt

Song Year: 2000

The uplifting guitar and playful violin melodies of this song are the perfect match for the optimistic lyrics of what might be Travis Tritt’s most popular song ever.

Tritt’s voice is bright and resonant as he reminds us that despite the bad things in life, there are also great things to be found every day of our lives.

“Lost in This Moment” By Big & Rich

Song Year: 2007

Big & Rich’s first number one hit on the Billboard country charts will put a tear in your eye.

The lyrics are about a groom becoming lost in the moment as he watches his bride walking up the aisle. It might very well be the best country wedding song of the 2000s.

“A Little Gasoline” By Terri Clark

Song Year: 2000

A song about cutting your losses and moving on after a bad breakup is something many of us can understand.

Terri Clark’s powerful voice serves the lyrics well as she sings about hitting the road and heading west to get a little rest.

“That’s What I Love About Sunday” By Craig Morgan

Song Year: 2005

The imagery of a Sunday afternoon in the south is a nostalgic treat that we can all enjoy regardless of where we’re from.

In this ballad, Craig Morgan sings about catnapping, eating some chicken, playing backyard football, and not doing much of anything. Clearly, there is a lot to love about Sundays.

“These Are My People” By Rodney Atkins

Song Year: 2006

Tennessee-bred Rodney Atkins is having a ton of fun singing about his favorite down-home country people, and we aren’t afraid to say we’re having fun too.

The lyrics in this song celebrate all the things that make southern culture and southern people so unique while still taking the time to poke a little fun at the idiosyncrasies of the culture.

“Live Like You Were Dying” By Tim McGraw

Song Year: 2004

Sung by a narrator who had his viewpoint on life changed after being diagnosed with cancer, this song is a reminder to live every day as if it might be your last.

It might seem depressing, but Tim Mcgraw delivers an uplifting message about appreciating everything life has to offer.

“As Good As I Once Was” By Toby Keith

Song Year: 2005

We certainly don't need a reminder that getting old is hard.

What we do need is Toby Keith reminding us that even if we're past our prime, we can still manage to be as good as we once were (even if it's only every once in a while).

This song is so much fun you might actually laugh out loud while singing along.

“Who I Am” By Jessica Andrews

Song Year: 2001

Jessica Andrews delivers an upbeat, heartfelt message about how making mistakes is okay because we have family and friends who are there to support us.

This track was released in 2001 on Andrews' second album of the same name.

“I Loved Her First” By Heartland

Song Year: 2006

This is one of our favorite father-daughter songs often used for the traditional father-daughter dance at weddings.

The narrator of this song is a father who is telling his daughter's soon-to-be husband how quickly his daughter has grown up and how much he loves her.

It's a feel-good tearjerker that won't leave a dry eye in the house.

“If You Had Called Yesterday” By Julie Roberts

Song Year: 2004

Julie Roberts beautifully sings this bittersweet song about lost love.

The lyrics are about how she has been struggling with losing her ex, but now she is finally over it. It might have been different if he had called yesterday, but now it's too late.

“Jesus, Take the Wheel” By Carrie Underwood

Song Year: 2005

This song was the first single on Carrie Underwood's debut album, Some Hearts, and it is beautifully sung and played.

Underwood uses her impressive singing abilities to deliver a sad story about a young girl driving through a snowstorm when she loses control of her car.

“Summertime” By Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2005

Kenny Chesney really seems to love summer, and we must agree because we think this song is an easy pick for any feel-good summer music playlist.

The lyrics are all about some of the best summertime activities, and it is a great option to pull up when you and your friends are lounging by the campfire on a warm summer night.

“Summer Nights” By Rascal Flatts

Song Year: 2009

Speaking of summer nights, Rascal Flatts delivers a rocking country anthem full of imagery of nighttime beach parties and good times with good friends.

This song is pure carefree fun that celebrates everything that makes summer nights great.

“I'm Tryin'” By Trace Adkins

Song Year: 2001

Trace Adkins sings this relatable song about going through rough patches in life where the only thing you can do is keep trying.

Adkins' distinctive baritone voice reaches out and grabs at the heartstrings throughout this song while the music ebbs and flows in a powerful rhythm.

“Nobody But Me” – Blake Shelton

Song Year: 2005

Don't confuse this one with Blake Shelton's more recent “Nobody But You,” which featured Gwen Stefani and was released in 2019.

This song from 2005 is about not spending time dwelling on past relationships. Instead, Shelton encourages us to focus on remaining in the present with the guy or girl we are with.

“One More Day” By Diamond Rio

Song Year: 2001

The narrator in this song wakes up and tells the story of how he dreamt he had a wish granted. He doesn't want big mansions or money; he just wants one more day with the one he loves.

It's a poignant song that can draw you in as you think about the one you might want to have one more day with.

“Somebody Like You” By Keith Urban

Song Year: 2002

The combination of Urban's cheerful voice and the quick, lively banjo makes this romantic song fun and heartfelt.

Just like in the music video, this song is perfect for cranking up on the car stereo as you and your special someone drive around singing at the top of your lungs.

“I Breathe In, I Breathe Out” By Chris Cagle

Song Year: 2000

This emotional song is about the most classic topic in country music: heartbreak.

The lyrics focus on a man so heartbroken that he can't stand seeing friends or looking for a new relationship. He's hurting so bad that all he is able to do is take life one day at a time and breathe.

“Ain't Nothing ‘Bout You” By Brooks & Dunn

Song Year: 2001

We love the rock n' roll flavor of this country song. It's all about loving a woman so much that there isn't anything that she is or does that doesn't do something to you.

It's Brooks & Dunn at their best, and it's one of the songs from the earlier 2000s that frequently finds its place on our various playlists.

“Remember When” By Alan Jackson

Song Year: 2003

Slow and nostalgic songs like this one from Alan Jackson hold a special place in our hearts. This song is about remembering the important moments from a life shared with your soulmate.

Queue up this song and grab your man or woman for a loving slow dance.

“Country Rap Tune” By Tow Down ft. H.A.W.K. & Big Pokey

Song Year: 2000

Layering a drum beat under a country guitar's hard twang creates such a unique sound that you can't help but stop and listen to it.

Tow Down's Dirty South-style country rap combines the best of both worlds as the rapper celebrates everything about his life in the south that made him the kind of man he is today.

“Party for Two” By Shania Twain ft. Billy Currington

Song Year: 2004

Shania Twain was always fun with her confident, cheeky attitude when singing this type of pop-country song.

As the name suggests, Twain is interested in having a party. But don't worry about bringing anything or finding something special to wear because it's just a party for two.

“Alcohol” By Brad Paisley

Song Year: 2005

Brad Paisley has cracked the code on how to make friends, how to make you dance, or how to have good times. His secret? Alcohol.

This humorous song celebrates the good times and the embarrassing ones that can come around as the result of a bit of overindulgence. We don't condone dangerous excesses, but this song is all in good fun and one that we love to sing along to.

“I Don't Have To Be Me ‘Til Monday” By Steve Azar

Song Year: 2002

Many of us have had the kind of job that has us working for the weekend. Steve Azar can relate with this song about a man who calls in sick on Friday morning, and now he's looking forward to a long, carefree weekend.

The lyrics are about ignoring responsibilities and doing what you love (at least until Monday).

“Break Down Here” By Julie Roberts

Song Year: 2004

Julia Roberts uses the story of a traveling across the country in an old car that's about to break down as a metaphor for the hard changes we sometimes have to make in our lives.

Robert's conviction and the mid-tempo of the acoustic guitar pull you into the song, and that's why we think it's one of the best 2000s country songs.

“Love Your Memory” By Miranda Lambert

Song Year: 2005

A breakup song of sorts, in “Love Your Memory,” Lambert recognizes that she doesn't want to see her man and that all they ever do is fight.

She knows the relationship is over, and the only thing she wants now is to love the memory of the good times.

“Why Should I Care” By Sara Evans

Song Year: 2000

What a bittersweet song Sara Evans sings with “Why Should I Care.” In the song, she sings about a man in her life who loved her, but, at the time, she didn't reciprocate those feelings.

Now that man has moved on and found someone else; the narrator realizes too late that she may have had stronger feelings than even she realized.

“She Wouldn't Be Gone” By Blake Shelton

Song Year: 2008

In this song, the narrator sings about all the little mistakes he made and all the regrets he has that led to his girlfriend leaving him.

Blake Shelton delivers a whole load of emotion as he belts out the lyrics. It's a fantastic song that we think a lot of people will be able to relate to.

“Beautiful Mess” By Diamond Rio

Song Year: 2002

Here is an upbeat song with a great music video about an average joe who works at a private airport and secretly pines for a woman whose criminal boyfriend uses the airport for business. When she takes notice of him, the two quickly decide to run away together.

It's a fun song with a catchy hook and toe-tapping beat that deserves a place on your playlist.

“Love Story” By Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2008

You were probably getting worried that T-Swift hadn't appeared on this list yet, but she's here now.

In “Love Story,” Taylor puts her country spin on the story of Romeo and Juliet. The song is romantic, infinitely relistenable, and was an early stepping stone in Swift's journey to superstardom.

“Don't Happen Twice” By Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2000

Who hasn't been guilty of daydreaming about reconnecting with an old flame? In this song, Kenny Chesney sings about a clear September night when he and his girl shared a bottle of wine on the hood of his car and then shared their first kiss.

It's the kind of memory we love to relive because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” By Trace Adkins

Song Year: 2005

Trace Adkins gives us pure 2000s country fun with this song about a particular female body part that he and many other men admire.

The rhythmic beat is infectious, and the hook will almost certainly get stuck in your head after you listen to this party song.

“People Are Crazy” By Billy Currington

Song Year: 2008

A young man goes to the bar and gets to talking with an old barfly. They have a laugh, discuss their love of beer, and remark on how crazy people can be.

The second half of the song reveals a heartwarming, funny little twist that you will have to listen to the song to learn about.

“Toes” By Zac Brown Band

Song Year: 2006

The Zac Brown Band delivers a melodic and mellow song about giving up the stresses of life and heading to the beach to dip your toes in the sand.

Grab a cold cocktail, stretch out in the sun, and enjoy this perfect tropical daydream of a song.

“All Summer Long” By Kid Rock

Song Year: 2007

Kid Rock's country rock sensibilities are at their best in this summertime anthem.

It doesn't hurt that the artist sampled classic songs like Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Sweet Home Alabama” and Warren Zevon's “Werewolves Of London” to create a mashup that is greater than the sum of its parts.

“You'll Think of Me” By Keith Urban

Song Year: 2002

Moving on after a breakup is tough, but Keith Urban is here to tell you that that is precisely what he is going to do.

The song is full of lyrics about how the ex-girlfriend in the song can take her reasons and her memories. However, she'll think of him longingly again someday, but by then, he will have moved on.

“Concrete Angel” By Martina McBride

Song Year: 2001

This emotional power ballad by Martina McBride is about a young disadvantaged girl growing up in an abusive household. Her only friend is the boy who lives next door. One night the girl's abuser goes too far, and the girl passes away.

The boy sees her one more time, and she has become an angel, happy and free to play with other children.

“Like We Never Loved At All” By Faith Hill ft. Tim Mcgraw

Song Year: 2005

Faith Hill takes the lead in this song while her husband, Tim Mcgraw, provides a beautiful harmony to support her. Their intense duet gives us a story about two lovers whose relationship is falling apart as they both struggle to find a way to reconcile.

This touching song earned Hill and McGraw the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 2006.

“Alright” – Darius Rucker

Song Year: 2008

Darius Rucker lends his bright, resonant tones to this song about enjoying the simple things in life.

Who cares if you don't have a fancy car or caviar as long as you have a roof over your head and a woman you love?

“Chicken Fried” By Zac Brown Band

Song Year: 2005

Is there anything more southern than fried chicken? The Zac Brown Band gives us this sweet little tune to remind us that life is good when you have fried chicken, cold beer, and good music on the radio.

What could be better than that?

This tune is the equivalent of a warm home-cooked meal, perfect for singing along or just tapping your toe to the beat.

“Find Out Who Your Friends Are” By Tracy Lawrence

Song Year: 2007

Every cowboy needs a few good friends to lend a hand, but sometimes we don't realize who our friends are until we see who sticks around in the tough times.

Tracy Lawrence's twangy country music voice is a good fit for this song about friendship and being loyal to the people we love.

Top 2000s Country Songs, Final Thoughts

That's it for our list of the best country songs of the 2000s.

With so many country songs from the 2000s to choose from, we had a blast making our selections and arguing for the very best.

We hope you found a new song to love or were reminded of an old favorite. Either way, enjoy this list, and we hope to see you back here again real soon.